Anke Labrie

Anke Labrie was born on March 30, 1948, in the rural village of Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel, where she developed a deep love for nature. This idyllic setting, combined with a foundation in classical studies, sparked her lifelong passion for culture.

From an early age, Anke immersed herself in philosophy, poetry, and the visual arts. She later pursued formal education in the arts, graduating from the Gerrit Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam in 1985. Today, Anke resides in Amsterdam, where she continues to create and explore new artistic horizons.

Anke’s paintings weave together memories of her childhood with the insights she has gained over the years, resulting in a unique and transformative reality on canvas. While she once focused on drawing from nature, she eventually chose a path of abstracted figuration. Anke believes that relying on preliminary studies or photographs can diminish the magic of painting, so she lets her inner vision guide her creative process.

In addition to her visual art, Anke has recently returned to writing poetry, participating in literary events where she shares her work. A selection of her poems, paired with images of her paintings, was published by Galerie De Roos van Tudor in Leeuwarden under the title *'Aan de oevers van de droom' (On the Shores of the Dream).* Her poem *‘monumentje’* was among the top ten in the 2010 Turing National Poetry Competition, and she designed a postcard (both image and text) for Amsterdam's Public Library in honor of Poetry Day 2012.

Anke Labrie’s work is not just an expression of her artistic talent but also a reflection of her resilience and creativity, despite living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta. Through her art, she continues to inspire and connect with others, creating beauty that transcends the canvas.